Students play with fire at the annual Gamma Phi Circus. Photo by Jeffrey Bricker/for Chronicle Media

When searching for the lure of traditional entertainment, where great feats of dexterity and skill are performed live, Bloomington/Normal residents need look no further than the campus of Illinois State University.

With performances dating back to 1926, ISU’s Gamma Phi Circus is the oldest running collegiate circus in the United States. Starting with only a handful of students performing tumbling and pyramid routines during football and basketball games, Gamma Phi now includes over 60 student performers wowing crowds of as many as 7,000 with more than 15 varied acts.

This year the circus featured a Hollywood theme with acts reminiscent of such big screen features as Star Wars, Harry Potter, and even Dirty Dancing. With faculty directors decked out in black and white tuxedos, student performers dared to swing, flip and dangle in costumes selected to match a major motion picture. Performances were complete with props and music and sound effects to match a film. Whether it was acrobats flying at each other with light sabers or jugglers dressed as pirates plying knives and torches, this year’s thematic approach seemed to be a big hit with the crowd.

“The girls loved the Harry Potter performance,” said Lora Weigman of Towanda who has been bringing her two daughters to the Gamma Phi Circus for 3 years now. “I think the movie theme added something special this year.”

With three shows at Redbird Arena, there were many opportunities to catch this year’s circus. Tickets ranged from $2 – $13 depending on patron’s age and seating assignment.

Lindsey Gist of Normal appreciates the affordability. “The price is really cheap and it’s great entertainment.” This was her family’s first time at the Gamma Phi Circus but she was confident they’d be back.

While this year’s performances at Redbird Arena are now over, the Gamma Phi Circus will take the act on the road for communities and organizations across Illinois. In addition, there will be a summer camp where youth ages 3 to 8 can learn some of the routines highlighted in the big show. More information about road performances and summer camp can be found at www.gammaphicircus.illinoisstate.edu.